Is Soursop Acidic or Alkaline? The Truth Behind This Tropical Fruit

December 26, 2025 •

4 min read

Multiple scientific studies and nutritional analyses show that soursop, despite its slightly tangy taste, is an alkaline-forming food once it is metabolized by the body. This tropical fruit, known scientifically as Annona muricata, has a low pH level when raw but produces alkaline compounds during digestion, impacting the body's overall pH balance.

Quick Summary

The debate over soursop's pH comes from its taste versus its post-digestive effect. While the fruit's natural acids make it taste slightly tart, it ultimately leaves an alkaline residue in the body after metabolism. Research confirms its fruit pulp has an acidic pH level, yet its overall dietary impact is considered alkaline-forming, with numerous health benefits attributed to its compounds.

Key Points

Alkaline-Forming: Despite its tangy taste, soursop is considered an alkaline-forming fruit because it leaves a mineral-rich, alkaline ash residue after digestion.
Acidity in Raw State: Research shows that the raw soursop fruit and pulp are naturally acidic, with a pH level between 4.1 and 4.8.
Nutrient-Rich: Soursop is a good source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C, and essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, which contribute to its alkaline effect.
Helps with Acid Reflux: Due to its metabolic effect, soursop is often recommended for those with acid reflux, as it helps neutralize stomach acid.
Potential Side Effects: The fruit's seeds and excessive long-term consumption have been linked to neurotoxic effects; moderation is key.
Culinary Versatility: Soursop can be enjoyed raw, in smoothies, juices, and desserts, but seeds must be removed.

Understanding Soursop's pH: A Deeper Look

To answer the question, "is soursop acidic or alkaline?" requires looking beyond its initial taste and examining its metabolic effect on the body. A study on soursop powder found the fruit's pH level to be around 4.7, confirming its inherent acidity. Similarly, research on soursop pulp from Benin found a pH range between 4.1 and 4.8. However, the popular alkaline diet trend is less concerned with the food's raw pH and more focused on the ash residue left behind after digestion. In this context, soursop is categorized as an alkaline-forming fruit due to the minerals it contains, such as potassium, calcium, and magnesium.

The Difference Between Acidic Taste and Alkaline Effect

The confusion about soursop's pH stems from the common misconception that a food's taste determines its metabolic effect. Many fruits, like lemons and limes, are highly acidic but are considered alkaline-forming foods. Soursop contains organic acids, primarily citric and malic acid, which are responsible for its slightly tart flavor. However, during digestion, the body metabolizes these acids and leaves behind a mineral-rich residue, or 'ash,' that has an alkaline effect on the body.

Soursop's Key Nutrients and Minerals

Soursop is rich in a number of nutrients that contribute to its health profile. A 100g serving of raw soursop is packed with vitamins and minerals.

Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports the immune system.
Potassium: An essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure.
Dietary Fiber: Promotes healthy digestion and helps prevent constipation.
Magnesium: Plays a crucial role in nerve and muscle function.
Antioxidants: Contains compounds like flavonoids, which help fight inflammation.

Is Soursop Acidic or Alkaline? A Comparative Table

Here is a comparison of soursop with other common fruits to better illustrate the difference between a food's raw pH and its alkaline-forming potential.


Feature	Soursop	Lemon	Banana	Tomato
Raw pH Level	4.1–4.8 (slightly acidic)	2.0–2.6 (highly acidic)	4.5–5.2 (slightly acidic)	4.3–4.9 (slightly acidic)
Taste Profile	Sweet and slightly tangy/acidic	Very sour	Sweet	Sweet and acidic
Metabolic Effect	Alkaline-forming	Alkaline-forming	Alkaline-forming	Acid-forming
Reason for Effect	Rich in alkaline minerals like potassium	High mineral content neutralizes acidity	High in potassium and other minerals	High in malic acid, which is not fully metabolized to alkaline ash

Why Soursop is Recommended for Acid Reflux Sufferers

Despite its acidic taste, soursop is often recommended for individuals with acid reflux. The reason for this is its alkaline-forming effect, which can help neutralize stomach acid. Unlike highly acidic foods that can exacerbate symptoms, soursop's ability to create an alkaline environment in the body after digestion provides a soothing effect on the digestive system. Soursop leaf tea has also been used traditionally to support healthy digestion and relieve common gastrointestinal discomfort.

Potential Health Benefits Beyond pH

Soursop has been a subject of extensive research for its therapeutic potential, though many studies are still in the preliminary stages.

Antioxidant Properties: The fruit is rich in antioxidants that help neutralize harmful free radicals, which can contribute to chronic diseases.
Anti-inflammatory Effects: Animal studies suggest soursop extract may reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting those with inflammatory disorders like arthritis.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Some animal studies indicate that soursop extract could help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Digestive Health: High fiber content aids digestion and promotes regularity.

How to Safely Enjoy Soursop

Soursop is delicious and versatile, but it's important to consume it safely. Here's how:

Eat in Moderation: As with any food, moderation is key. Overconsumption of soursop and its extracts has been linked to potential neurotoxic effects due to the compound annonacin.
Remove Seeds: The seeds contain toxic compounds and should always be removed before eating the fruit.
Consult a Professional: If you have a neurological condition like Parkinson's or are on medication for high blood pressure or diabetes, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before adding soursop to your diet.
Enjoy Raw or Prepared: You can enjoy soursop raw by scooping the flesh out, blending it into smoothies, or making a delicious juice.

Outbound Link for Further Research

For a detailed overview of soursop's nutritional composition, including its vitamin and mineral content, refer to the USDA FoodData Central.

USDA FoodData Central: Soursop

Conclusion

While the answer to "is soursop acidic or alkaline?" is not as simple as its initial taste, the scientific consensus is clear: soursop is an alkaline-forming fruit. Its slightly acidic taste comes from organic acids, but its high mineral content results in an alkaline ash residue after digestion. For individuals concerned about their body's pH balance or dealing with issues like acid reflux, soursop can be a beneficial and delicious addition to the diet, provided it's consumed in moderation and with awareness of potential side effects. Always prioritize a balanced diet and consult a healthcare professional for personalized advice, especially concerning any underlying health conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, soursop is considered beneficial for acid reflux sufferers. Despite its slightly acidic taste, it is an alkaline-forming food during metabolism, which helps neutralize stomach acid and can provide a soothing effect on the digestive system.

The raw fruit and pulp of soursop have a naturally acidic pH level, with studies reporting values ranging from 4.1 to 4.8. However, its metabolic effect on the body is what classifies it as alkaline-forming.

Soursop itself does not neutralize stomach acid instantly like an antacid. Instead, its overall metabolic process leaves an alkaline residue in the body, which can contribute to a more balanced internal pH over time and have a beneficial effect on digestive comfort.

While the leaves are used to make tea, the discussion on their pH is similar to the fruit's. The tea is often used traditionally for its digestive benefits, suggesting an alkaline-forming effect. However, excessive consumption of soursop leaf tea can lead to side effects.

The tangy or slightly acidic taste of soursop is due to the presence of natural organic acids like citric and malic acid. The alkaline-forming classification refers to its post-digestive effect, which is determined by the mineral content left behind after metabolism.

Soursop is generally safe when consumed in moderation. However, excessive, long-term consumption of the fruit or its extracts has been linked to potential neurotoxicity due to compounds like annonacin. Always remove the toxic seeds before consumption.

Soursop is known for being rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber. It may help reduce inflammation, support digestive health, and potentially aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels, although more human research is needed.